Manager, Campus Grounds & Public Realm Operations - Administration & Campus Service Operations

About this role

Location ST. LOUIS, MO 63130

 Scheduled Hours 40

Position Summary The Manager, Campus Grounds & Public Realm is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and improvement of the University's exterior campus environments. As part of Enterprise Physical Operations (EPO), this position oversees contracted grounds services, coordinates landscape and public realm improvement projects, and supports the maintenance, safety, sustainability, functionality, and appearance of campus grounds, landscapes, streetscapes, hardscapes, and other exterior assets.

Supporting either the Medical Campus/Public Realm or the Danforth Campus, Arboretum, and satellite locations, the Manager coordinates maintenance activities, administers service contracts, manages assigned projects and budgets, and works collaboratively with campus stakeholders to ensure a safe, attractive, and well-maintained campus environment. The position supports departmental goals through effective operational management, sustainability, project coordination, and continuous process improvement.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Campus Grounds, Arboretum & Public Realm Stewardship:

• Plans, coordinates, and oversees the daily maintenance and operation of campus grounds, landscapes, streetscapes, hardscapes, irrigation systems, and other public realm assets within assigned areas. • Develops seasonal work plans and maintenance schedules to support operational priorities and maintain campus appearance, safety, sustainability, and functionality. • Conducts routine inspections to evaluate asset condition, identify maintenance needs, and ensure contractor performance meets established standards. • Supports implementation of University landscape, Level III Arboretum, public realm, and maintenance standards and recommends operational improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Contract Administration & Budget Management:

• Develops scopes of work for contracted services and oversees contractor performance for grounds maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, tree care, snow removal, and related services. • Reviews contractor work, approves invoices, monitors expenditures, and assists with the development and administration of operating and project budgets. • Identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, and responsibly manage University resources.

Project Coordination:

• Coordinates landscape, grounds, hardscape, arboretum, parking lots, and public realm improvement projects from planning through completion. • Works closely with architects, engineers, project managers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to coordinate project activities, minimize operational impacts, and ensure projects are completed in accordance with University standards. • Coordinates restoration of campus grounds following construction activities and supports implementation of campus improvement initiatives. • Identifies maintenance and renewal needs and provides recommendations for future capital improvement planning.

Landscape & Arboriculture:

• Coordinates landscape maintenance and enhancement activities to promote healthy, sustainable, and attractive campus environments. • Oversees stewardship of the University's accredited arboretum and supports arboretum initiatives through tree inventory management, planting programs, and maintenance coordination. • Works collaboratively with academic partners and campus stakeholders to support educational opportunities, sustainability initiatives, and public engagement related to campus landscapes and the arboretum.

Collaboration & Customer Service:

• Serves as the primary operational contact for campus grounds and public realm activities within assigned areas. • Coordinates with departments, schools, University stakeholders, healthcare partners, contractors, and consultants to support campus operations, construction activities, special events, and maintenance projects. • Responds to service requests and stakeholder concerns and develops practical solutions that support operational needs and customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement:

• Supports departmental initiatives to improve operational effectiveness, sustainability, and service delivery. • Utilizes work management systems, asset information, inspections, and performance data to monitor operations and identify opportunities for improvement. • Assists with the implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and best practices related to grounds and public realm maintenance.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Job Location/Working Conditions: • Work environment includes 60% office environment and 40% work in the field, which is typically outside. • Alternative work schedules that may include weekends, evenings, or early mornings. • On-call and on-site, especially during inclement weather.

Physical Effort: • Requires travel throughout assigned campuses and satellite locations. • Requires routine outdoor inspections and the ability to walk long distances, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and work in varying weather conditions. • Participates in emergency response activities, including weather-related events, snow and ice operations, and other campus emergencies, with availability outside normal business hours as needed. • Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.

Equipment: • Office equipment. • Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.  • Operate a motor vehicle and maintain a MO Class E or IL Class D drivers' license.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s

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